AG summoned to parliament regarding impediments to keeping suspected terrorists in custody

Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath is to be summoned to parliament to clarify the legal impediments to detaining those suspected of terrorism.

The motion to summon the AG was submitted by the MP of Ungoofaaru constituency Mohamed Waheed, under the authority vested in parliamentarians to question government officials at Ministerial levels.

MP Mohamed Waheed’s decision to summon AG Riffath follows Home Minister Imran’s comments that the existing Terrorism Act prevents authorities from detaining suspected terrorists. He further stated that the Act does not allow for those accused of terrorism to be detained and rehabilitated.

Due to this, AG Riffath is set to be questioned regarding the existing legal impediments to keeping suspected terrorists in custody, as well as the possible legal solutions to this obstacle. He will also be questioned regarding the delay in resolving such a significant legal issue.

Home Minister Imran had also noted that due to this issue, one suspected terrorist among the seven who were arrested from Addu City has already had to be released; and that there is no guarantee that the authorities will legally be able to keep the remaining six detained either. Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem also noted that the constitution does not allow for suspects to be detained for the duration of the investigation; however, that in certain cases, suspects are detained for a long period.

Following Home Minister Imran’s statements, most parliamentarians expressed concern, highlighting the need for a legal solution to this issue.